His classmates and school friends gathered at Markeaton Park on Sunday afternoon – a place the boy often visited – to share fond memories and to say farewell to the Rams fan whose life was cut tragically short.

Some youngsters released balloons and watched in silence as they drifted off into the evening sky. Others laid flowers, signed cards and left a Derby County flag around a tree in the park.

His best friend, Lucci Zoppi, organised the event. The 12-year-old said: “He was the funniest person I’ve ever met in my life. He had a larger than life personality and was always up for a good laugh.

“I wanted to do something to give everyone a chance to say goodbye. I originally thought we should go to Darley Park because it’s nice but I know he wouldn’t have wanted anything soppy. He’d prefer people to be happy so we came to Markeaton because we always used to be down here.

Flowers, candles and tributes laid at the factory where the youngster died (Image: Robbie Gordon)

At the request of the family, the Derby Telegraph has decided not to name the youngster at this stage.

Family friend Emma Atterbury said: “He was a fantastic boy and had the biggest dimples and the cheekiest smile.

“Everyone loved him to bits, especially his parents who absolutely adored him. He had such a fantastic relationship with his mum – everything on her social media pages is all about him. She loved him with everything she had.

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“He was completely selfless, he would do anything for anybody and all of his friends loved him. He was a bit of a class clown and was always laughing and having fun.

“He was a really great young boy and he will be missed by all who knew him.”

A fund-raising page has been set up to help with the boy’s funeral costs. Within a few hours of launching it dwarfed its original £2,000 target and now stands at more than £4,500. To donate, visit Sally Chadwick's Just Giving page.